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University of Oxford: Archaeological Science
| Institution | University of Oxford |
|---|---|
| Department | Archaeology |
| Web | https://www.ox.ac.uk |
| graduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0)1865 270059 |
DPhil
Summary
**The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2023). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.**
The DPhil in Archaeological Science provides students with the opportunity to pursue substantial independent research that contributes to the development and application of scientific methods to the study of the past.
The DPhil is a full-time degree, during which you will carry out research and produce a substantial thesis. You will be required to complete a research project that you should design with your supervisor, who will be an expert in their field of research. Projects which cross disciplinary boundaries, for example with archaeology or classical archaeology, are welcome. More details of the department's research areas and themes, as well as some suggested projects and recently completed DPhil projects, are listed on the department's website. (See Further information and enquiries).
Although there is no formal course of instruction, you will be trained in relevant laboratory techniques, and you are encouraged to attend lectures and participate in research seminars. These will include the numerous and wide-ranging weekly seminar series organised within research groups, particularly bioarchaeology, chronology, and materials and technology. Details of taught course lectures and research seminar series term cards are available on the School webpages. Seminars also often provide opportunities for you to present your own work.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
Summary
**The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2022). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.**
The DPhil in Archaeological Science provides students with the opportunity to pursue substantial independent research that contributes to the development and application of scientific methods to the study of the past.
The DPhil is a full-time degree, during which you will carry out research and produce a substantial thesis. You will be required to complete a research project that you should design with your supervisor, who will be an expert in their field of research. Projects which cross disciplinary boundaries, for example with archaeology or classical archaeology, are welcome. Some suggested projects and recently completed DPhil projects are listed on the School website.
Although there is no formal course of instruction, you will be trained in relevant laboratory techniques, and you are encouraged to attend lectures and participate in research seminars. These will include the numerous and wide-ranging weekly seminar series organised within research groups, particularly bioarchaeology, chronology, and materials and technology. Details of taught course lectures and research seminar series term cards are available on the School webpages. Seminars These also often provide opportunities for you to present your own work.
**Supervision**
For this course, the allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the School of Archaeology and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the School of Archaeology.
While the degree of contact varies depending on individual circumstances, it is expected that supervisors and students should meet to discuss progress at least three times each term.
**Assessment**
All students will be initially admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS). By the fourth term as a PRS student you will be expected to apply for, and achieve, transfer of status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status.
A successful transfer of status from PRS to DPhil status will require a formal assessment though the submission of written work and an interview. Students who are successful at transfer will also be expected to apply for and gain confirmation of DPhil status within seven terms of admission, to show that your work continues to be on track.
Both milestones normally involve an interview with two assessors (other than your supervisor) and therefore provide important experience for the final oral examination. At each stage you will also make a short formal presentation of your research at one of the doctoral student symposia organised by the School of Archaeology, which will help you to develop your presentation skills at an early stage of your career.
You will be expected to submit an original thesis within three or at the most four years from the date of admission. Students can apply to submit the thesis as a collection of publishable papers. Successful doctoral theses must, among other things, display evidence of substantial and original research, lucid and scholarly presentation and a sound knowledge of the general field within which the thesis falls. To be successfully awarded a DPhil you will need to defend your thesis orally (viva voce) in front of two appointed examiners.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
MSc
Summary
**The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2023). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.**
The MSc in Archaeological Science provides a broad introductory education for those with a first degree in archaeology wishing to apply science-based research methods, or for those with a first degree in a science subject wishing to learn specifically about archaeological issues amenable to scientific methods.
The MSc in Archaeological Science is designed to give a broad but detailed grounding in the theory as well as practical experience in the major applications of science in archaeology. It is intended for archaeologists or scientists who wish to go on to undertake research in archaeological science, or archaeologists who intend to pursue a career in the management of archaeological projects or become policy makers in this area and would like to have a sound understanding of the potential of science to elucidate archaeological problems. The MSc also acts as preliminary training for doctoral research.
The MSc in Archaeological Science is based on the research strengths of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology. The MSc consists of three elements taught over two nine-week terms, comprising materials analysis and the study of technological change, molecular bioarchaeology, and principles and practice of scientific dating, plus a five month research project chosen in consultation with the supervisor. The research project provides opportunity for specialisation within these areas.
Most students study all three archaeological science options, but it may be possible to replace one of these with an option from the MSc in Archaeology or MSt in Classical Archaeology run by the school.
Each option has a co-ordinator who will be responsible for arranging your option teaching, while the course director has overall responsibility for your progress, and you will have a supervisor for your individual research project.
Teaching is through a combination of lectures, classes and laboratory sessions requiring regular written work, and is supplemented by a range of graduate seminars. The course benefits from the small size of the cohort (usually about eight), allowing many opportunities for student contribution. Class presentations are also required, providing valuable experience and the opportunity for feedback from your peers.
| Study type | Taught |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
Summary
**The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2022). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.**
The MSc in Archaeological Science provides a broad introductory education for those with a first degree in archaeology wishing to apply science-based research methods, or for those with a first degree in a science subject wishing to learn specifically about archaeological issues amenable to scientific methods.
The MSc in Archaeological Science is designed to give a broad but detailed grounding in the theory as well as practical experience in the major applications of science in archaeology. It is intended for archaeologists or scientists who wish to go on to undertake research in archaeological science, or archaeologists who intend to pursue a career in the management of archaeological projects or become policy makers in this area and would like to have a sound understanding of the potential of science to elucidate archaeological problems. The MSc also acts as preliminary training for doctoral research.
The MSc in Archaeological Science is based on the research strengths of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology. The MSc consists of three elements taught over two nine-week terms, comprising materials analysis and the study of technological change, molecular bioarchaeology, and principles and practice of scientific dating, plus a five month research project chosen in consultation with the supervisor. The pre-set essay(s) and research project provide opportunity for specialisation within these areas.
Most students study all three archaeological science options, but it is possible to replace one of these with an option from the MSc in Archaeology or MSt in Classical Archaeology run by the school.
Each option has a co-ordinator who will be responsible for arranging your option teaching, while the course director has overall responsibility for your progress, and you will have a supervisor for your individual research project.
Teaching is through a combination of lectures, classes and laboratory sessions requiring regular written work, and is supplemented by a range of graduate seminars. The course benefits from the small size of the cohort (usually about eight), allowing many opportunities for student contribution. Class presentations are also required, providing valuable experience and the opportunity for feedback from your peers.
**Supervision**
For this course, the allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the School of Archaeology and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the School of Archaeology. You will meet with your supervisor at least once a term.
**Assessment**
The archaeological science options are assessed in early May by written examination, plus an extended essay. If an option is taken from the other master's degrees (MSc in Archaeology or MSt in Classical Archaeology) it is examined by a pair of pre-set essays, and an extended pre-set essay. Students submit a dissertation on their research project in mid-September.
A viva voce examination may be held and students' workbooks may also be examined at the discretion of the examiners.
| Study type | Taught |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
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